Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for forming one dimensional nanostructures. The method comprises ink jet printing (52) a plurality of catalyst particles (36) on a substrate (32). A gas (20) is applied (54) to the catalyst particles (36) while simultaneously applying (56) microwave radiation (38).

Abstract: A method provides a simple yet reliable technique to assemble one-dimensional nanostructures selectively in a desired pattern for device applications. The method comprises forming a plurality of spaced apart conductive elements (12, 20) in a sequential pattern (26) on a substrate (17) and immersing the plurality of spaced apart conductive elements (12, 20) in a solution (23) comprising a plurality of one-dimensional nanostructures (22). A voltage is applied to one of the plurality of spaced apart conductive elements (12, 20) formed in the sequential pattern (26), thereby causing portions of the plurality of one-dimensional nanostructures (22) to migrate between adjacent conductive elements (12, 20) in sequence beginning with the one of the plurality of spaced apart conductive elements (12, 20) to which the voltage is applied.

Abstract: A method is provided for selectively placing catalytic nanoparticles (22) for growing one dimensional structures (28) including nanotubes and nanowires. The method comprises providing a solution (23) including a plurality of catalytic nanoparticles (28) suspended therein. An alternating current is applied between two electrodes (12, 14) submersed in the solution (23), thereby positioning the plurality of catalytic nanoparticles (22) contiguous to the two electrodes (12, 14). A one dimensional nanostructure (28) is then grown from each of the catalytic nanoparticles (22).

Abstract: A method is provided for forming a thin film conducting polymer (24) for sensor applications. The method comprises forming at least one pair of electrodes (14, 16) on a substrate (12), the pair of electrodes (14, 16) having an insulating layer (18) positioned therebetween, the insulating layer (18) having a surface (20) opposed to the substrate (12), increasing OH? groups on the surface (20), binding silane molecules (22) to the surface (20), and forming the conducting polymer material (24) on the silane molecules (22) between and in electrical contact with the electrodes (14, 16).

Abstract: A carbon nanotube sensor (30), for determining the degree of the presence of an unwanted environmental agent, includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes (18). The sensor (30) comprises first and second conducting layers (32, 34) having alternatively interdigitated fingers (36, 38). The plurality of carbon nanotubes (18) having a material characteristic are coupled between each of the interdigitated fingers (36, 38). Optionally, a gate may be used for biasing the device for specific sensor applications by adjusting the electrical resistance.

Abstract: An apparatus (50) and method is provided for growing a network of common diameter nanotubes (24). The apparatus comprises chemically functionalizing a portion (16) of a substrate (12); anchoring catalyst nanoparticles (22), each having substantially the same diameter, on the portion (16) of the substrate (12); and growing overlapping carbon nanotubes (24), each having substantially the same diameter, on the catalyst nanoparticles (22).

Abstract: A device is provided for determining the degree of the presence of an unwanted environmental agent. The apparatus comprises a device (30, 40) having first (31, 41) and second (33, 46) conducting layers with alternatively interdigitized fingers (34, 36, 42, 43, 44, 47, 48, 49) coupled to a nano-structure (32, 45) having a high aspect ratio, wherein sections (35, 37, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54) of the nano-structure between each of the fingers are substantially equal in length. Circuitry (62) coupled to the first and second conducting layers determines the occurrence of a change in a material characteristic of the sections of the nano-structure.

Abstract: An improved and novel method of selectively aligning and positioning nanometer-scale components using AC fields. The method provides for more precise manipulation of the nanometer-scale components in bridging test electrodes including the steps of: providing an alternating current (AC) field at a single electrode or between a plurality of electrodes to create an electric field in an environment containing nanometer-scale components. The electric field thereby providing for the aligning and positioning of the nanometer-scale components to the desired location.

Abstract: An improved and novel method of selectively aligning and positioning nanometer-scale components using AC fields. The method provides for more precise manipulation of the nanometer-scale components in bridging test electrodes including the steps of: providing an alternating current (AC) field at a single electrode or between a plurality of electrodes to create an electric field in an environment containing nanometer-scale components. The electric field thereby providing for the aligning and positioning of the nanometer-scale components to the desired location.

Abstract: A method is provided that produces a good, strong organic monomolecular film having its atoms arranged in a three-dimensionally ordered manner by cleaving a III-V group compound semiconductor substrate in film formation molecules or in a solution containing them, in order to cause selective chemisorption which forms a monomolecular film and then deposits another layer of organic molecule film. In this method, the III-V group compound semiconductor substrate is cleaved in a solution containing SH groups dissolved into a solvent in order to form a self-assembled monolayer and is then placed in another solution, where metallic ions are adsorbed to the surface of the film or where the functional groups are converted by chemical treatment. The substrate is then immersed in a solution containing organic molecules that are selectively chemisorbed to the functional groups.